OUT AND ABOUT: It’s the social and shopping season on the West Shore

A light dusting of frost heralds the start of winter and we are reminded how wonderful it is to live on the West Coast. The next few weeks are a blur of social events and shopping, as Christmas and other holidays approach.

This Saturday (Dec. 5) is the City of Langford’s official Christmas Light-Up celebration at Veterans Memorial Park. Bring the family and enjoy shopping, music and crafts for the kids. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. enjoy free hot dogs and hot chocolate while supplies last, before Santa arrives. The lights go on at 7 p.m. and stay around to watch the Island Equipment Owners Association’s Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive as it passes by. A drop-off area for non-perishable food will be on hand.

On Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m., it’s Christmas at the Castle time for the Westshore Chamber of Commerce. Come get into the holiday spirit at historic Hatley Castle on the Royal Roads University campus, with many faces from around the West Shore. Enjoy live music, gourmet appetizers/desserts by Truffles Catering, a charity raffle for the Goldstream Food Bank, prizes, silent auction, casino games and a rumoured “very special guest” appearance from the North Pole. Tickets are on sale at victoriaticket.ca or call 250-478-1130.

That evening also sees the City of Colwood Light Up celebration at City Hall, 3300 Wishart Rd. Enjoy musical performances by local schoolchildren, plus hot chocolate, hot dogs and baked treats provided by local businesses, and unique gifts for purchase from Coast Collective Art Centre. Kids can take part in craft activities while they wait for Santa to arrive on the fire truck.

Between Dec. 11 and 13 and Dec. 17 and 20, nightly trolley tours are available courtesy of City Centre Park and the City of Langford. The pick up location is in front of City Centre Park at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. Come by early for outdoor skating and hot chocolate by the fire pits.

On Dec. 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 24, bring the family up to the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort and Spa for a breakfast buffet sure to please. Decorate cookies, write a letter to Santa, then visit the Grand Old Elf himself and have your picture taken. Breakfast is served at 10 a.m.; the cost is $28 for adults, $16 for kids six to 12 and free for children under five.

New this year at Bear Mountain, on Sunday, Dec. 13, join Canadian Folk Music Association winner and Bear Mountain musical director Daniel Lapp and friends, as he brings his West Coast style to your favourite Christmas songs. This interactive concert includes such talents as Neil Osborne, Mae Moore, Colleen Eccleston, Oliver Swain, Rick May, Danuel Tate and Jamie Troy. Tickets are $35, or you can purchase a VIP ticket for $75 and enjoy prime seating, a pre-concert wine and cheese reception with the artists from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and intermission refreshments from 8 to 8:30 p.m.

Do you have business or community news to share? Send the details to Christine at cscott@goldstreamgazette.com or Shelley at swestwood@goldstreamgazette.com.